Local Government | Texapedia

Texas County Courthouse Thumb

Local Government Structure & Constitution

Types of Local Government in Texas

Overview of the different types of local government in Texas, the relationship between them, hierarchy, and relationship to the state.

Texapedia StaffFebruary 17, 2025

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Education Local Government

Independent School Districts in Texas

Understanding the structure of the public school system in Texas

Texapedia StaffNovember 19, 2022

Petition Election Texas

Elections Local Government

Charter Amendment Elections in Texas

This guide explains the process of charter amendment elections, legal requirements, and examples of how home-rule cities revise their local charters.

Texapedia StaffJune 5, 2025

san antonio community college

Education Local Government

Community College Districts in Texas

Comprehensive overview of the functions, structure, finances, and governance of Community College Districts in Texas.

Texapedia StaffFebruary 2, 2023

Local Government Structure & Constitution

Political Subdivisions of Texas

Definition of political subdivision, examples of political subdivisions of Texas, and comparison to the federal system.

Texapedia StaffNovember 21, 2022

County Courthouse San Antonio Texas

Local Government Structure & Constitution

County Government in Texas

County governments in Texas handle everyday essentials—like running elections, fixing roads, and operating jails, courts, and local law enforcement.

Texapedia StaffNovember 18, 2024

texas county commissioners court

Local Government

County Commissioners Courts

Summary of the structure, functions, and powers of County Commissioners Courts, which are the governing bodies of Texas counties.

Texapedia StaffNovember 21, 2022

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Local Government

Municipal Government in Texas

From zoning to police, explore how cities shape daily life and deliver critical public services. Understand their structure, powers, and limitations.

Texapedia StaffNovember 20, 2022

Texas County Courthouse Thumb

Local Government

County Judges in Texas

County governments in Texas are headed by judges—though not judges in the traditional sense of the word. Though originally judicial in nature, the office now mostly involves leadership, budgeting, and policy-setting.

Texapedia StaffNovember 21, 2022

Boy and Firefighter Oil Painting

Local Government

Emergency Services Districts in Texas

Detailed guide to the structure and functions of Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) in Texas, as well as revenue sources, tax rates, and comparison to other states.

Texapedia StaffNovember 18, 2022

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The basic nature of humanity is unchanging through the ages. Politics changes, technology, the economy, the environment, culture—all change. Yet humankind tends to repeat the same follies and to forget hard-learned lessons, age after age. For this reason, the ancient book of wisdom known as Ecclesiastes observed, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after” (Eccl. 1:9-11, ESV).

The study of history reminds us of the pitfalls, challenges, and triumphs of our forebears. It is not always a happy story (“All things are full of weariness," Eccles. 1:8), but it is a worthy pursuit for those seeking wisdom. History gives us not only knowledge of the past but also understanding of the present age: how it came to be, the forces that have shaped it, and insights into the nature of humanity itself.

As you explore Texas history, we invite you to imagine yourself living in another age. Try to picture yourself in the shoes of different people—leaders and common folks alike. This is how history becomes more than a ledger of events; its telling and retelling invite us to reflect, imagine, and grow.

There is no single “correct” way to read or write history. Yet beware of idealized versions of the past—simplistic, black-and-white narratives with distinct ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys,’ often crafted for political ends. Such histories are easy to grasp and may feel morally compelling. But wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from reading history in a simple, idealized way. Instead, try grappling with nuance, search out details, ask probing questions, and consider perspectives that may not align with your own.

History need not be boring. At its best, it is a discipline that sharpens the mind, cultivates empathy, and helps us to know ourselves more deeply.

— Texapedia Staff

Texapedia is not affiliated with any political party, and the articles on this site are written in an encyclopedic tone. Yet a project like this is inherently political in a broader sense: it deals with government and civic life, and our stated mission is to equip citizens with knowledge to “reform what is lacking in their government while conserving what is good about it.”

This sounds simple enough, since we live in an age of abundant knowledge: search engines, AI chatbots, and digital repositories can provide us with reams of information on almost any topic in an instant. Yet many Americans are too distracted to take in any of it. Ours is also an age of addictive social media, viral outrage, and “bingeworthy” entertainment.

There is also a crisis of authority. Americans no longer know who to trust, what information is reliable, and how to separate noise from substance in public discourse. The information environment is chaotic and disputatious. Information is rarely presented in coherent, organized ways that provide context and detail. Instead, many Americans learn about the world around them through TikTok, Instagram reels, 100-word tweets, or cable news sound bites. The nation is more politicized than ever—yet less connected, less communal, less trusting.

Here at Texapedia, we look on these developments with concern. You can read more of our perspective in the essay Toward Civic Renewal: Recovering Sobriety in a Frivolous Age.

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